Battery type AAA: Compatible cameras

The AAA battery, also called “Micro” in German, is a standardized cylindrical cell measuring 10.5 mm in diameter × 44.5 mm in length. It is standardized as R03 under IEC standard 60086. Alkaline variants are called LR03, NiMH rechargeable batteries HR03, and ANSI designates them as 24A. The nominal voltage is 1.5 V for alkaline and zinc-carbon batteries, and 1.2 V for NiMH rechargeable batteries. Unlike rare special batteries such as PX625 or PX27, AAA batteries are available in every supermarket, drugstore, and electronics store. There are no supply problems with this type.

AAA batteries became especially popular in the late 1980s, when compact autofocus cameras and the first generation of autofocus SLRs came onto the market. Typical models using 4× AAA batteries include the Nikon F-301 (N2000) and F-501 (N2020), Canon T80, Minolta Dynax/Maxxum 5000 and 7000, Contax 167 MT and ST, Konica FT-1, and the Yashica 107/108/109 Multi Program. Models typically using 2× AAA batteries include the Olympus Trip AF and AF-10, Minolta X-600, Mamiya U, and the GAF-Anscomatic series. Popular reusable half-frame cameras such as the Kodak Ektar H35 and H35N, as well as the Kodak M35 and Ultra F9, also use one AAA battery. You can find the complete searchable compatibility list with all 56 models at the top of this page.

For AAA-powered analogue cameras, there are two sensible options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:

• Alkaline (LR03, 1.5 V): Available everywhere, with a long shelf life (5–10 years) and low unit price. Disadvantage: The voltage continuously drops from around 1.6 V to 0.9 V during discharge. Depending on the state of discharge, this can lead to slight metering errors in cameras with sensitive exposure electronics, such as the Contax 167 MT and Minolta Maxxum 7000.
• NiMH rechargeable battery (HR03, 1.2 V): Rechargeable and maintains a very constant voltage of around 1.2 V throughout approximately 80% of its discharge. This results in significantly more consistent meter readings. Modern low-self-discharge rechargeable batteries such as Panasonic Eneloop or our Varta AAA 1000 mAh retain their charge for months. The initial cost is higher, but it quickly pays for itself with frequent use. All cameras listed here can easily handle the 0.3 V lower voltage.

For motor-driven cameras (autofocus SLRs, film-advance motor), we clearly recommend NiMH rechargeable batteries: constant voltage under load and no disposable waste. For purely electronic cameras without a motor, alkaline batteries are a convenient emergency option when the rechargeable battery is empty.